100th Anniversary of City Manager Form of Government Celebrated

Earlier this fall, the City Manager form of government was celebrated.  100 years ago, Staunton, VA hired the first City Manager.  Six years later, in 1914, the City Managers’ Association was formed as a professional organization for appointed city managers and administrators. Its purpose was to bring reform and accountability to local governments and to be an advocate for professional management in local government. This association later became the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).  In 1924, association members expressed their commitment to high standards of conduct by adopting a code of ethics.  The next year, Oberlin appointed its first City Manager.  

More about this form of government:

Oberlin follows the Council-Manager form of government.  Under this system of local government, the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Oberlin and who hire the City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other collaborative relationships, the City Manager works to use all of the community's resources to solve current problems.

The City Manager: 

·         Works with elected officials as they develop policies. The manager may discuss problems and recommendations, propose new plans, or discuss issues that affect the community and its residents.

·         Along with other Council appointees, ensures that laws and policies approved by elected officials are equitably enforced throughout the city.

·         Seeks feedback from residents and members of the business community to address and solve problems.

·         Prepares the annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Director, submits it to elected officials for approval, and implements it once approved.

·         Supervises department heads, administrative personnel, and other employees.

·         Solicits bids from contractors and select or recommend the appropriate individual(s) or organization(s) to perform the work.

·         Investigates citizen complaints and problems within the administrative organization and recommend changes to elected officials.

·         Manages the day-to-day operations of the City.

The City Manager’s primary responsibility is to keep Oberlin running smoothly.  To do so, Oberlin’s City Manager works with the other appointed officials (Law Director, Finance Director and City Clerk) and a range of skilled individuals involved in public safety, public works, community and economic development, and many other service areas.  You can count on this team to make your community a great place to live, learn and lead!

Oberlin has been served by 17 City Managers:  

Don Herrick       1925-1928

Leon Sears       1928-1935

H. V. Zahm        1935-1952

Phillip Zahm      1952-1955

Fred Weisbrod 1956-1957

Richard Dunn    1958-1963

Donald Marquis  1963-1967

Edward Smith    1967-1971

Tom Dalton        1971-1978

Sherry Suttles  1979-1982

Dale S. Sugarman 1982-1988

Deborah Kimble      1989-1992

Ron Twining              1993 (Acting City Manager)

Gary Goddard          1993-1996

Rob DiSpirito           1996-2007

Gary Boyle              2007 (Interim City Manager)

Eric Norenberg  2007 to present

This list is courtesy of the Oberlin College Archives. 

Budget Hearings to be held November 18 - 20 - 6 to 9 p.m

Oberlin City Council budget meetings are open to the public. 

Department presentations will focus on:

o    2008 Key Performance Indicators

o    2009 Budget Highlights

o    A review of proposed changes from the 2008 budget in key budget categories (personnel/benefits, operations, capital equipment, and capital improvements);

o    Goals for 2009

o    A review of unmet needs

Here is the tentative schedule for the three nights:

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Overview

Public Works                                                                                                                                                      

Wednesday, November 19, 2008   

Fire

Police

Law Dept.

City Clerk         

Municipal Court

Finance Dept.              

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Electric

Planning and Development

Human Resources

Council

City Commissions

City Manager

Discussion/wrap-up